WCP177

[1]

Broadstone, Dorset.

Jan^y. 12^th. 1903

My dear Will

Many thanks for O. Reynold’s¹ wonderful lecture. I had read [an] abstract of it when delivered. It is a Crusher! And the confidence with which he asserts that it and it alone explains everything — Gravitation is quite an easy detail! And then, when he shows how the whole universe, matter, ether, & all, consists of grains of something, a few thousand millions times smaller than violet rays of light, infinitely hard, always touching each other & each atom never moving so much as to change their neighbours, — the exact size & [2] range of motion of which he gives — and then when you feel ready to faint or burst in the attempt to follow him, he asks coolly — "Could anything be more simple?"

I should like to have Perry’s² or Lord Kelvin’s³ opinion of it. But nobody seems to say anything. Are they all too staggered? Does no one understand it but Osborne Reynolds F.R.S &c. ?

I remember about the sand and water experiment some years ago — but only as a curiosity. I fancy the explanation of gravity, comes somewhat towards Mr. Allen’s theory, but I cannot understand either.

[3] We are still at work as usual in house & Garden. Violet⁴went back yesterday. I suppose Curtis & his mate will finish the sideboard in 2 — 3 days now, & then the shelves for you & Violet & a seat in the Verandah & perhaps in the Porch will take another week, & then we shall be left to clear up & get straight with perhaps Kerley only to finish up outside work for another month.

I am reading up books for my book & think I shall manage to make something of it, — but it will be as much as I shall do to get it out by Midsummer.

[4] I am getting a few contributions of plants for the garden, but how to get the spaces of bare clay all over the place covered with grass is the difficulty.

Weather still beastly — rain in torrents — Saturday one lovely day & then rain again at night & snow on Sunday.

Excuse more as I am very busy.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Let us know what your business was in Ipswich & London, & the result. | A.R.W [signature]